WITH World Cup fever upon us, Volkswagen South Africa decided to introduce its new CrossPolo with what we call paper launch.

WITH World Cup fever upon us, Volkswagen South Africa decided to introduce its new CrossPolo with what we call paper launch.

Based on the Polo, the new CrossPolo will appeal to those who love the Polo but want the ground clearance of the crossover.

At first glance the CrossPolo looks like a Polo but on closer inspection one realises the uniqueness that the new car bears. The rugged, sporty character of the CrossPolo is reflected in many of its details.

Especially striking is the individually styled front apron - in anthracite colour with integrated front fog lights and large air inlet at the centre.

The new CrossPolo becomes the second model of the Polo series to be introduced locally.

With its refreshingly cheeky design, unique choice of colours and features and a higher ride height (15mm gain), the CrossPolo is a very appealing offering in its class.

This all-rounder is powered by petrol and diesel engines that have a power output of 77kW. Both engines are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

The side profile of the new CrossPolo also shows tough qualities. Here sporty black wheel arch extensions and coordinated body sills set the styling. The latter continue visually into the lower door area.

In off-road driving and in the jungle of metropolitan parking spaces, these rugged plastic guards protect the car from damage. Fitting the character of the CrossPolo are the 17-inch alloy wheels in 5-spoke design.

Another unmistakable characteristic of the CrossPolo are the silver anodised roof rails. They are a traditional feature on this model, and are certainly not just for looks.

They can be used to mount roof boxes and carrier systems with a weight of up to 75kg. Also colour coordinated with the roof rails are the door mirrors that are painted in silver.

At the rear, the CrossPolo continues the rugged all-terrain look in the bumper, whose lower section is also designed in a black, rugged plastic.

At its centre, a separate section painted in silver catches the eye that is styled to look like a diffuser.

Five exterior colours accentuate the powerful style of the CrossPolo.

These include new colours that are exclusively offered on the new CrossPolo, namely Magma Orange and Terra Beige Metallic.

Across the board, the upper areas of the bumpers and handles (door, tailgate) are painted in body colour, while the cover trim of the B and C pillars and the window frames are treated in a high-gloss black.